Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When you’re looking for a breakfast or brunch dish that’s incredibly flavorful, super easy to prepare, and guaranteed to feed a crowd, you’ve found your new obsession: Sausage Hashbrown Casserole. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a complete meal packed with savory sausage, crispy hash browns, fluffy eggs, and plenty of cheese, all baked together into one glorious pan. It’s pure comfort in every bite and perfect for feeding a hungry family or a gathering of friends!
Why I Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about a breakfast that practically cooks itself while delivering maximum satisfaction? I am completely hooked on Sausage Hashbrown Casserole for so many reasons. It combines all the best breakfast ingredients into one convenient, make-ahead casserole. The hash browns get wonderfully crispy on top and tender underneath, the sausage adds a fantastic savory depth, and the cheesy egg mixture ties it all together into a cohesive, comforting dish. It’s a lifesaver for busy holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or even a quick family dinner when you’re craving breakfast for supper. Plus, the minimal cleanup is a dream!
The American Breakfast Casserole Tradition
Breakfast casseroles are a cherished staple in American home cooking, particularly popular for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, and potlucks. Their appeal lies in their ability to feed a crowd, be prepared in advance, and combine various breakfast elements into one hearty, satisfying dish. The combination of sausage, hash browns, eggs, and cheese is a classic, bringing together familiar and beloved flavors.
This Sausage Hashbrown Casserole builds on that tradition, leveraging the convenience of frozen hash browns to simplify preparation while still delivering a homemade taste. The casserole format allows the flavors to meld beautifully as it bakes, creating a cohesive and deeply comforting meal. It’s a testament to the ingenuity of home cooks who found a way to streamline breakfast preparation without sacrificing flavor or heartiness, making it a perfect solution for busy households looking for a satisfying start to their day.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this hearty and delicious Sausage Hashbrown Casserole:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, crumbled
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (optional)
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (30-32 ounce) package frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- Optional Garnish: Sliced green onions or fresh chives, cooked crumbled bacon
Swaps and Notes
- Breakfast Sausage: Use your favorite breakfast sausage (mild or hot). You can also use ground turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Onion: Finely diced onion adds a subtle savory depth. You can omit it if preferred, or sauté it with the sausage for a deeper flavor.
- Condensed Soup: Cream of mushroom soup provides a creamy base and umami depth. Cream of chicken soup is a good substitute if you prefer.
- Milk: Whole milk or 2% milk works best for the creamy mixture.
- Hash Browns: Ensure your frozen shredded hash brown potatoes are thawed completely before mixing. This helps them incorporate better and cook evenly. You can also use diced frozen hash browns.
- Cheese: Shred your own cheese from blocks for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make the casserole less creamy. Sharp cheddar is classic, but Colby Jack or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack also works well.
- Eggs: Lightly beaten eggs act as a binder, helping the casserole hold its shape.
- Vegetables (Optional): You can add finely diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or a cup of frozen corn/peas for extra veggies.
Steps for the Recipe
Let’s get this hearty breakfast casserole ready for your morning!
- Prepare Oven & Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook Sausage (and Onion if Using Fresh): In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. If using fresh onion, add it to the skillet with the sausage during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking to soften. Drain any excess grease from the sausage (and onion).
- Prepare Creamy Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom (or chicken) soup, milk, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Combine Casserole Ingredients: Add the thawed shredded hash brown potatoes, cooked sausage (and onion), 1 1/2 cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and the lightly beaten eggs to the bowl with the creamy mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble & Bake: Pour the casserole mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top, the eggs are set in the center, and the hash browns are tender. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Rest & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to set slightly and makes for cleaner portions. Garnish with sliced green onions, fresh chives, or extra crumbled bacon if desired.
Tips for Success
- Thaw Hash Browns Completely: This is crucial! Frozen hash browns will release too much water and can make your casserole watery and prevent even cooking.
- Drain Sausage Grease: Always drain excess grease from the sausage after browning to prevent a greasy casserole.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: For the best melt and creamiest results, shred cheese from blocks. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can make the casserole grainy.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaked eggs can become rubbery. Bake until just set and golden.
- Make Ahead: This casserole is fantastic for making ahead! Assemble everything (Steps 2-5) the night before, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking and bake as directed (you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from very cold).
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Sausage Hashbrown Casserole is a complete and hearty meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad provides a perfect contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Toast or Biscuits: A side of simple toast or warm biscuits (if you need even more carbs!).
- Hot Sauce: Offer a variety of hot sauces for those who like a little kick.
- Coffee & Juice: Serve with plenty of coffee and orange juice for a classic breakfast spread.
- Brunch Spread: Perfect for a larger brunch spread alongside other favorites like my This One-Pan Breakfast Bake Will Make You Skip Out The Door.
- Beverage Pairings: A simple glass of water, coffee, or orange juice.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Sausage Hashbrown Casserole makes fantastic leftovers!
- Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, gently warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through. For larger portions or to re-crisp the top, reheat in an oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Once completely cooled, slice into individual portions. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as directed above.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the ease and comfort of this breakfast casserole, you might also like these other hearty and time-saving meals:
- For another fantastic one-pan breakfast that feeds a crowd, check out This One-Pan Breakfast Bake Will Make You Skip Out The Door.
- If you love deep, comforting bowls of flavor, my This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is a must-try.
- For an easy one-pan dinner that’s always a hit, my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- And for truly simple, satisfying comfort food that lets your oven do the work, you’ll love These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays.
- For a classic comfort food pasta, you can’t go wrong with my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
Final Thoughts
Sausage Hashbrown Casserole is a true triumph of comfort food – it offers all the rich, savory, and cozy flavors you crave in a hearty breakfast or brunch dish, with the incredible convenience of a make-ahead casserole. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, effortless entertaining, or simply indulging in pure, cheesy comfort. This recipe is a game-changer that will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
I hope you give this amazing casserole a try and enjoy every decadent bite! Let me know in the comments below if this becomes your new go-to morning delight, or what your favorite make-ahead breakfast recipes are. I always love hearing from you! Happy cooking!
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